VICTORIA, Seychelles, Three school librarians at the Seychelles Ministry of Education were recently in India to follow a fully-sponsored training programme of study under the ITEC programme. The programme of study was for two weeks at The National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and the Research Chennai respectively. The training reflects a growing commitment to modernising school library services in line with international best practice.
The school librarians followed a certificate course on Total Solution for Integrated Library System, with the aim to improve library services in school libraries. The programme will also help the school librarians to develop a wide range of ideas on library processes and activities, optimise resource utilisation, and deliver high quality value of services to library users. Furthermore, the programme aimed to develop appropriate competencies and skills of library and information sciences in the digital era.
They will be able to develop understanding on the development of library services worldwide, organisation techniques and new communication skills and knowledge in the context of library practice. Furthermore, they will be able to apply competencies and knowledge that are essential for providing, managing, and designing information services in different information environments using open source tools for LMS and Digital Library. The training covered both theoretical and practical aspects of the new systems.
The school librarians will be able to manipulate a variety of information retrieval methods and system, through online or in person, using the Internet facility for information access, retrieval, storage and communication, and to maintain the web resources for effective use. Moreover, they will be able to go in depth on e-learning system to better encourage learners to conduct research using appropriate online research tools, such as various databases to access the most accurate, relevant and updated information to support learning in school libraries. The training also covered the management of digital repositories and the use of open educational resources to support teaching and learning across the curriculum.
The Ministry of Education has thanked the Indian High Commission for supporting the development of school librarians by offering opportunities to follow higher educational programme in India. The accompanying photos show some highlights of the librarians’ training programme in India. The librarians are expected to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues and to lead the gradual introduction of digital tools and resources in school libraries across the country. The Ministry has indicated that further training opportunities will be explored in the coming years.
